The S&Ds are committed to fighting for social justice, jobs and growth, consumer rights, sustainable development, financial market reform and human rights. Read more about our policies for a stronger, more democratic Europe and a better future for everyone.

An overwhelming majority of Euro MPs in the European Parliament's committee on civil liberties, justice and home affairs today in Brussels backed a proposal by S&D MEP Tanja Fajon to grant Moldovan citizens visa-free access to the 26 EU Schengen countries.

Moldova is expected to be the first EU Eastern neighbouring country to achieve this important recognition.

The decision is meant to further boost the relationship between the EU and Moldova (not yet an EU candidate country) and will reduce the time and cost involved for their citizens travelling across the border into EU countries. However, the new regime does not give the right to seek citizenship, work or asylum and can always be suspended in case of abuse.

Following the vote, the Parliament's rapporteur on visa liberalisation Tanja Fajon said:

"Hopefully before summer 2014, Moldovan citizens holding biometric passports will be able to travel to the Schengen area for 90 days within a 180-day period.

"Moldova has successfully done its homework, by meeting all the criteria of the Visa Liberalisation Action Plan and proving once again that good relations with the EU are a priority for the country.

"This is a historic moment for the Republic of Moldova and its future within the EU.

"The abolishment of visas will bring considerable, very tangible benefits for Moldovan citizens and facilitate one-to-one contact – an essential condition for the steady development of economic, cultural, scientific and other ties as well as enhancing cross-border co-operation.

"The process of deepening relations between the EU and Moldova will also undoubtedly contribute to improving the exercise of justice and respect of fundamental freedoms in the country."

With regard to the relationship with Romania, Tanja Fajon added:

"The future of Moldova in the EU does not in any way threaten its sovereignty, despite the recent statements made by the Romanian president on reunification with Romania.

"Such reckless declarations do not contribute to the positive attitude of the citizens of Moldova ahead of lifting visa obligations and could, in the long term, have severe consequences for the relations between the two countries."